Snow science and avalanche studies

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 Owen 18 Dec 2018

Hi i'm looking to try and find a masters or even undergraduate level curse in snow science and avalanches studies somewhere in europe but the only places I an find that do anything like this are in the states or Canada. Does anyone know of anything like this in Europe which consists of more than just an elective in a masters course?

 

thanks

 James Thacker 18 Dec 2018
In reply to Owen:

Blair Fyffe is probably the person to speak to. Would have thought he will know... Will draw his attention to your post.

 GarethSL 18 Dec 2018
In reply to Owen:

I'm a little confused by what you are asking, do you have a BSc already? Are you looking specifically for a Masters degree (as in the whole year/ two years) where you can study Avalanche dynamics? Or still are you just looking for a term length or semester course?

Most of the guys I know who have studied avalanches as part of their degree, started through Physical Geography (or Geology) then specialized in their BSc or MSc thesis topic.

If you're looking for "courses" these offerings from UNIS below (also the coolest university in the world) all combine well to make a pretty solid credit component focusing on the geography and physical processes in arctic mountain environments. If you apply to a UK or any international university you can apply to take these courses. Alternatively a quick google flags some Swiss universities that may offer a similar opportunity.

https://www.unis.no/course/ag-346-snow-and-avalanche-dynamics/

https://www.unis.no/course/ag-350-arctic-glaciers-landscapes-10-ects/

https://www.unis.no/course/ag-330-permafrost-and-periglacial-environments/

https://www.unis.no/course/ag-326-quaternary-glacial-and-climate-history-of...

https://www.unis.no/course/ag-325-glaciology/

 philipjardine 18 Dec 2018
In reply to Owen:

ask stephan harvey (slf in davos).  he is very approachable and helpful and speaks good english

https://www.slf.ch/de/mitarbeitende/harvey.html

 ianstevens 18 Dec 2018
In reply to GarethSL:

A bit of what he said. You won't find anything more than a credit course on snow-pack dynamics on an undergraduate course, and that's if you're lucky - its a niche specialty. For example, I teach a little (about 30 mins worth) as part of a second year course on the entire cryosphere, and none is included in its third-year equivalent module. If you're interested and don't have a relevant undergraduate degree, I suggest a BSc in Geography or Physical Geography, and then do a snowpack related dissertation. 

Masters level courses may start to get to this level of specialisation, although again I would expect them to be more generalised - for example my institution previously offered a Glaciology MSc, which would include scope for a snowpack-based research thesis. Alternatively, if you find one, an MRes or and MPhil might get you access to greater opportunity to look into snowpack stability science. Note that you will of course need a (good) Geography undergraduate degree to be able to access masters-level courses in most cases.

Whilst GarethSLs UNIS recommendations are great, only AG346 really links with your interests - and you will need to be working towards a masters level qualification to get on it. My experience of UNIS courses (from the teaching side) is that they are often markedly over-subscribed. 

If you have any Qs you don't want aired in public, feel free to drop an email my way.

 Doug 18 Dec 2018
In reply to Owen:

maybe more for PhD students but have a look at the French Centre d’Etudes de la Neige, based in Grenoble - https://www.umr-cnrm.fr/spip.php?rubrique85


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